Paddy farmers in the State, particularly in Palakkad, continue to be unhappy over an allegedly raw deal they have been getting from the State government. In spite of the setbacks they suffered during the first crop of paddy last year, they held some hopes about the government offering a helping hand by way of some budgetary announcements. However, when the State budget was presented a few days ago, the farmers became the most disappointed lot in the State.
Foremost among the demands raised by the farmers was an increase in the procurement price of paddy from ₹28.20 a kg to at least ₹30 a kg. Sections of farmers have been demanding it to be increased to ₹35. But the Budget presented by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal was silent on it.
A budgetary allocation for paddy procurement, the second demand of the farmers, too was ignored by the government. The farmers would now have to rest assured that uncertainties and delays in procurement of the second crop paddy and its payment would continue without any change.
